The Teacher of the Year and First Class Teacher of the Year for Dorchester County Public Schools were announced Tuesday night, April 4, 2017, at the annual reception. Mr. Sean Reincke, Social Studies Teacher at Cambridge-South Dorchester High School was selected as the Teacher of the Year for 2017 – 2018. Ms. Amber Aaron, Math Teacher at North Dorchester Middle School was selected as the First Class Teacher of the Year for 2017-2018. The Teacher of the Year will go on to the Maryland State competition with the finalists announced State-wide on October 27, 2017. The First Class Teacher of the Year is a locally-sponsored recognition intended for a first year teacher who has demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication.

Mr. Sean Reincke

2017–2018 Teacher of the Year

Mr. Reincke is a Social Studies Teacher at Cambridge-South Dorchester High School.

Teacher of the Year Mr. Sean Reincke starting at C-SDHS in 1999 and has taught Social Studies, along with other subjects to high school students, and coached Cross Country and Track. Mr. Reincke earned his Bachelor’s in History from St. Francis University, his Secondary Education Certification from Millersville University, and his Master’s of Education from Salisbury University in 2010. Mr. Reincke serves as the Social Studies Department Chair, and was an integral member of the 9th grade academy created at C-SDHS six years ago, leading to greater success for the freshman students, and increased graduation rates. Mr. Reincke was nominated for Teacher of the Year in 2008, and again in 2010, and was nominated for First Class Teacher of the Year in 2000. Mr. Bromwell shared, Sean Reincke is more than a teacher, he is a pillar of our community and has helped shape many lives. He leads by example and demonstrates true perseverance in the face of adversity; his enthusiasm for both education and life is infectious. Mr. Reincke stated: “Each year brings changes to curriculum, the subject/grade level taught, responsibilities outside of the classroom, and even state assessments. My message is to re-center ourselves to the one thing that hasn’t changed” STUDENTS Need Us! – let them be our focus!

Ms. Amber Aaron

2017–2018 First Class Teacher

Ms. Amber Aaron is a Math Teacher at North Dorchester Middle School.

First Class Teacher of the Year Ms. Amber Aaron earned her Bachelors’ Degree from Salisbury University with a major in Elementary Education and Mathematics. Prior to joining Dorchester as a full-time teacher Ms. Aaron worked as a substitute teacher with DCPS for more than 6 years, all the while coaching the NDHS Cheerleading squad and serving as the NDHS band front director. Ms. Aaron is very active in the community volunteering with Delmarva Community Services, and with Camp Pecometh. The NDHS cheerleading squad placed second at the Reach the Beach Cheer Nationals which qualifies them to compete in the U.S. Finals. Coaching is what led Ms. Aaron to change her degree program to education, as she stated, “how wonderful it would be to have a profession where you can have this feeling of making an impact every day."

The Teacher of the Year Program recognizes exemplary experienced teachers and outstanding first year teachers in Dorchester County and the State of Maryland.

Mrs. Jennifer Wingate

2016–2017 Teacher of the Year

Mrs. Wingate is a 1st Grade Teacher at South Dorchester School.

The Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Jennifer Wingate, received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and Special Education from Frostburg State University with a dual major in Elementary and Early Childhood Educations, with a minor in Spanish. She traveled to Spain to study while at Frostburg and has obtained her ESOL certification through the University of Phoenix. Ms. Wingate is pursuing her Master’s Degree through LaSalle University. She joined DCPS in 2009 and is currently teaching first grade at South Dorchester School, but has also taught kindergarten, and pre-kindergarten at Maple Elementary before joining the staff at South Dorchester. She summed up her philosophy on teaching with these remarks “we must not lose sight of our jobs, to make children eager to learn more, to believe in themselves, respect each other, keep our promises, and never give up.”

Ms. Amy Stoops

2016–2017 First Class Teacher

The First Class Teacher of the Year, Ms. Amy Stoops, received her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Elizabethtown University in Pennsylvania. Ms. Stoops participated in a service project to assist special needs children living in orphanages in Vietnam in 2013, with the Brittany Hope Foundation and maintains a strong civic commitment. In her words, “Teaching keeps you on your feet, both physically and mentally and makes you question yourself every day to ensure that you are giving your students the best education you can.”

The Teacher of the Year Program recognizes exemplary experienced teachers and outstanding first year teachers in Dorchester County and the State of Maryland.

Heidi Cohoon

2012–2013 Teacher of the Year

Miss Cohoon teaches AP English Language, Composition (grade 11), and English IV (grade 12) at Cambridge-South Dorchester High School

Hardworking, dynamic, and organized best characterizes Heidi Cohoon. She earned her BA in English from Salisbury University and MA in Modern Humanities from Frostburg State University and has successfully taught English grades 6-12. Acting as a role model to staff and students, she has served on School Improvement Team, Accreditation for Growth Team, High School Task Force, and written county curricula. Heidi has served as senior class advisor, SGA advisor, and director of publications. Spearheading AP Showcase Night and a pilot reading mentorship program are among her accolades. She has received recognition for coordinating an SU Mentorship program, being selected for MD Writing Project, advising college interns, and teaching AP workshops. In addition, Cohoon has instructed her students to mastery on the AP English Literature Examination and English HSA.

Erin Shields

2012–2013 First Class Teacher

Miss Shields teaches Special Education at the Judy Hoyer Center

Congratulations to both of these teachers for representing us so well. We are proud that they are Dorchester County teachers!

The Teacher of the Year Program recognizes exemplary experienced teachers and outstanding first year teachers in Dorchester County and the State of Maryland.

Mrs. Linda Blackmon

2013–2014 Teacher of the Year

Mrs. Blackmon is the Media Teacher at North Dorchester Middle School

Linda earned a Bachelor's in Religion and minor in Business from Meredith College in 1984, Master’s in Conflict Management from Trinity Seminary in 1999, Master’s in Instructional Technology from Towson University in 2003, and an MSDE Administration Certificate in 2012. She teaches research, media, reading, and TV Production. She designed and published Dorchester County Public Schools’ websites. Linda served on the Accreditation for Growth, School Improvement, Student Success, and Leadership Teams. Her passion is literacy. She received the Educational Technology Outstanding Leader in Education Award. She is a member of the Maryland Association of School Librarians' Black-Eyed Susan Reading Committee.

Mr. David Blisard

2013–2014 First Class Teacher

Mr. Blisard teaches Mathematics at North Dorchester High School

The First Class Teacher of the Year, Mr. David Blisard received his Bachelor’s degree from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Blisard commented:

“In my own eyes, an outstanding teacher is someone who after giving absolutely everything he has to his students, finds something else to give and give that to the students as well.”

The Teacher of the Year Program recognizes exemplary experienced teachers and outstanding first year teachers in Dorchester County and the State of Maryland.

Mr. Thomas "Trey" Mills, III

2014–2015 Teacher of the Year

Mr. Mills is the Chemistry Teacher at Cambridge-South Dorchester High School

Trey is a graduate of Cambridge-South Dorchester High School from the Class of 1997. He has earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, magna cum laude, and a minor in Psychology from Washington College in 2001. He has also earned a Master of Arts in Chemistry and Biochemistry from the University of Delaware in 2006.Trey participates in staff development leadership activities. He currently serves as a School Facilitator for KEYS 2.0, the chairperson for the School Faculty Council, the coordinator of the School Advanced Placement Program, and an advisor of the National Honor Society. Trey has received numerous awards and recognitions including being a nominee for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching, Perfect Attendance for the past four years, and ETS Recognition of Excellence on Praxis II for Chemistry Content.

Mr. Michael Pagliaro

2014–2015 First Class Teacher

Mr. Pagliaro is an English Teacher at North Dorchester High School

Michael earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in Teacher in Secondary English from St. Mary's College of Maryland. Mr. Pagliaro commented:

“The best thing about teaching is watching your students grow academically, emotionally, and socially. They won't realize you had anything to do with it for another few years, but you know — and that's a good feeling.”

The Teacher of the Year Program recognizes exemplary experienced teachers and outstanding first year teachers in Dorchester County and the State of Maryland.

Mrs. Emily Maddox

2015–2016 Teacher of the Year

Mrs. Maddox is a Special Education Teacher at Sandy Hill Elementary School

The Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Emily Maddox, received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and Special Education from Geneva College in Pennsylvania and went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Salisbury University. Prior to working at Sandy Hill Elementary, Mrs. Maddox was a Special Education Teacher at Cambridge South Dorchester High School for grades 9-12. Mrs. Maddox was also the 2008 First Class Teacher of the Year for Dorchester County. She puts it best when she quotes George Evans and models her teaching philosophy and belief by his quote:

“Every student can learn, but not necessarily on the same day or in the same way.”

Ms. Tiffany Yehl

2015–2016 First Class Teacher

Ms. Tiffany Yehl is a Pre-Kindergarten Teacher and Reading Intervention Specialist at Maple Elementary School

The First Class Teacher of the Year, Ms. Tiffany Yehl, received her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Kutztown University in Pennsylvania. Ms. Yehl states:

“It is rewarding to wake up every morning knowing that I am going to challenge myself to be a better teacher and to support the love of learning in students. My rewards are simple. I just want to try and make a lasting difference in at least one student each day.”